Author Description

From School Library Journal Grade 7 Up—The Bond Team—Ben, Lori, Jake, Eddie, Cally, and Bex—return in this sixth installment (Atom Books, pap. 2003) of A.J. Butcher's futuristic series. A new twist is added as Ben and Lori's relationship dissolves and jealousy ensues with the budding romance between Lori and Jake. The action takes place at the Temple of Transformation where fresh "disciples" are offered hope and new life. But after the death of a friend, the Bond Team discovers that life is offered through a scientific breakthrough called Life Transference Technology, but only to the highest bidders. Each elderly winner is placed into a Life Force Transfer unit, with a young disciple in a connecting unit. With the press of a button, the Transfer—soul stealing—takes place and the youth and vitality of the young person is transferred to the withered, fragile body. The Bond Team thwarts the Temple's evil mission with the help of high-tech shock blasters, pulse rifles, sky bikes, and cool James Bond-like gadgets. While Sean Mangan offers little voice variation among characters, he successfully presents the thoughts and emotions of each personality, and his timing and vocal inflections during the humorous moments are perfect. This fast-paced, action-packed adventure is full of fun, cool gadgets, intrigue, and humor.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.